Playground climbing structure

ABSTRACT

A climbing structure comprises a plurality of climbing units secured to a pole. The climbing units are made from interengageable members having different climbing elements. Hence, many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbing elements. The climbing elements can be varied along the pole such that, near ground level, the climbing elements comprise foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, the climbing elements along the upper portion (or generally horizontal portion) of the pole, can comprise primarily handgrips. Additionally, the climbing units themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. They can, for example require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations along the pole. Alternatively, they can rely on a clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along the pole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/632,110 filed Dec. 1, 2004 entitled“Playground Climbing Structure” and which is incorporated herein byreference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to playground equipment and, in particular, to aclimbing structure for indoor or outdoor playgrounds.

Various types of climbing structures have long been a standard part ofplaygrounds. Such structures include “monkey bars”, geodesic domes,poles, etc. Such structures are made from a determined set of pieces,and hence, the structure itself is limited in shape, generally, to asingle structure. It would be desirable to provide a climbing structurewhich is made from interchangeable and matable parts to enable differentclimbing elements to be positioned along the climbing structure. Thiswould enable the same parts or elements to be used to produce differentclimbing structures.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A climbing structure of the present invention comprises a plurality ofclimbing units secured to a pole. The climbing units are made from apair of interengageable member elements which are secured together. Eachclimbing member element comprises a body with a climbing elementextending from the body. A climbing unit is formed by selecting twoelements from a set of elements. Hence, many different climbing unitscan be formed from a set of a few climbing elements. The climbingelements can be varied along the pole such that, near ground level, theclimbing elements comprise foot rests. Further up, the climbing elementscan comprise steps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the poleis arced, the climbing elements along the upper portion (or generallyhorizontal portion) of the pole, can comprise primarily handgrips.Additionally, the climbing units themselves can be assembled togetherand mounted to the pole using a variety of structures. They can, forexample require a hole to be formed in the pole and can be placed atonly discrete locations along the pole. Alternatively, they can rely ona clamping mechanism and can be placed at any desired position along thepole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a climbingstructure incorporating climbing units of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-F are perspective views of illustrative embodiments ofdifferent climbing units which can be incorporated into the climbingstructure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-C are perspective views of the interchangeable andinterengageable members from which the climbing elements of FIGS. 2A-Fare made;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first illustrative embodiment of aclimbing unit of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a line drawing of the assembly system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 6 assembledto a pole in two alternative positions;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a third illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 8 assembledto a pole in two alternative positions;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A and B show the members of the climbing unit FIG. 10 assembledto a pole in two alternative positions;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and B show the members of the climbing unit of FIG. 12assembled to a pole in two alternative positions;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sixth illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the climbing unit of FIG. 14 whenassembled;

FIG. 16 is a line drawing of the climbing unit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holdingthe climbing unit of FIG. 14 to a pole;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a seventh illustrative embodiment of aclimbing unit of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the climbing unit of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of a clamp assembly for holdingthe climbing unit of FIG. 18 to a pole;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an eighth illustrativeembodiment of a climbing unit of the present invention;

FIGS. 22A-D show the different matable elements of the climbing unit ofFIG. 21 to form different climbing unit combinations; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an illustrative playground structureincorporating the climbing units of FIGS. 21-22D.

Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the severalfigures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way ofexample and not by way of limitation. This description will clearlyenable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, anddescribes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives anduses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the bestmode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangements of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

An illustrative embodiment of a playground climbing structure 10incorporating climbing units of the present invention is shown generallyin FIG. 1. The climbing structure 10 includes a pole 12 to whichclimbing units C are mounted. The pole 12 is shown to have its oppositeends at ground level, and with an upper concave bend and a lower convexsecond bend. The pole 12, however, can take any desired configuration.Further, the opposite ends of the pole can both be embedded in theground (as shown in FIG. 1), the pole can have a bottom end and an upperend, or the pole 12 can have its opposite ends supported between twosupporting structures.

The climbing units C, as seen more clearly in FIGS. 2A-F, can takedifferent forms, and can include stepping units, platform units, andgrasping elements. The climbing units C are each comprised of twomembers chosen from a group of interchangeable and interengagablemembers. The climbing unit members each include a body B from which aclimbing element E extends. The climbing member bodies, as will bedescribed below, are connected together about the pole 12 to be securedto the pole 12. As seen in FIGS. 2A-F and FIGS. 3A-C, there are threebasic climbing elements—(1) a ridge E1; (2) a step E2; and (3) a handgrip or hand hold E3. The step and hand grip can be configured to extendfrom the member body such that its major plane is generally parallel toor perpendicular to the axis of the pole. The ridge can be formed to begenerally perpendicular to the axis of the pole or to extend diagonallyrelative to the axis of the pole. The climbing unit members can bepaired together to form different overall climbing elements for theplayground structure 10. For example, a step member can be paired with aridge member, a hand grip member or another step member; a horizontalhand grip member can be paired with a vertical hand grip member; avertical hand grip member can be paired with a horizontal step member;etc. With five distinct members, thirty-two (32) different climbingunits can be formed; with six distinct members, sixty-four (64)different climbing units can be formed.

A first illustrative climbing unit 14 is shown in FIGS. 4-5. Theclimbing units are formed from two members or elements (shown in FIGS.3A-C), as noted above, and each member comprises a body 20 having anouter surface 22 defining top and bottom surfaces 22 a, a front side 22c and a back side 22 d. The body outer surface 22 is basicallysemispherical in shape. However, the outer portion is truncated at itstop and bottom 22 a. Additionally, a semicircular notch 24 is formed inthe outer surface back side 22 d. The notch 24 is surrounded by asemicircular wall 26. The inner surface 28 of the body is shaped tocomplementarily to the shape of the pole 12. Poles for climbingstructures are generally cylindrical; hence, the body inner surface 28is shown to define one-half of a cylindrical tube 29. However, the poleand body inner surface could have other shapes—the pole could be square,triangular, etc. and the surface 28 would then define one-half of thisgeometric shape.

At the front 22 c of the body, the inner surface 28 is flattened todefine a generally semicircular platform 30. The platform 30 issurrounded by a step 32. The platform 30 and step 32 are shaped tocorrespond in shape to the notch 24 and wall 26. As best seen in FIGS. 4and 5, the platform 30 of one member is received in the notch 26 of asecond member. The bodies 20 of the two members are shaped such that thesurfaces of the two members at the junction between the two members areflush with each other. This forms a substantially smooth surface, asseen in FIGS. 2A-E. As seen in FIGS. 2A-E, when two members areconnected together, the bodies 20 form a generally circular assemblyfrom which climbing structures 40 (E1-E3) extend.

The body 20 includes opposed and aligned holes 50 in its front and backsurfaces. The opening 50 at the front surface 22 c is counterbored atthe outer surface, as at 51. A hole is also formed in the pole 12 aboutwhich the members are to be connected to form the climbing unit 14. Toassemble the climbing unit 14 about the pole 12, the two selectedmembers are positioned on the pole in a mated configuration, as seen inFIG. 5, with the platform 30 of one member received in the notch 26 ofthe other member. In this position, the openings 50 of the two membersare aligned with each other and with the opening in the pole. Whenplaced together, the inner surfaces 28 of the two members form anopening corresponding in shape to the shape of the pole. As shown, theinner surfaces 28 of the two members form a circle or cylinder 29 havinga diameter corresponding in size to the diameter of the pole about whichthe unit 14 is to be assembled. Although shown as cylindrical, the pole12 and the member inner surface could be in other geometric shapes.

To mount the unit 14 to the pole, a shaft 52 is passed through themember openings 50 and through the pole opening. The shaft 52 is sizedsuch that its opposite ends extend into, but not beyond, the openings 50in the opposite side of the combined unit 14, as seen in FIG. 5. Theopposite ends of the shaft 52 are threaded, and securing members 54 arethreaded onto the ends of the shaft 52. The connecting members 54 eachinclude an internally threaded tube 54 a which is received about thethreaded end of the shaft 52 and a head 54 b. The connector head 54 bhas a pocket to receive a driver, such as a screwdriver head, the end ofan allen wrench, etc. The shaft could be headed at one end (such as inthe shape of a traditional bolt) to eliminate the need for one of theconnecting members 54. Alternatively, one or both of the connectingmembers could be replaced with a bolt. Further, one of the body openings50 could be internally threaded to threadingly receive the shaft 52,again, eliminating the need for one or both of the connecting members54.

Prior to threading the connector onto the shaft, a first cap part 56 isreceived in the counterbored section 51 of the opening 50. This capfirst part includes a central opening sized to receive (and hide) theconnector head 54 b. A cap second part 58 is received on the cap firstpart to cover the connector head 54 b. The cap first and second parts 56and 58, when combined form a cap or button 60, as seen in FIG. 5, whichextends slightly from the surface of the climbing unit bodies 20. Thecap 60 covers the connector head 54 b, thereby protecting the cover fromthe elements. In addition, the cap 60 will form an aestheticallypleasing cover to the openings 50 and will hide the connector from view.

A second illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in FIG.6. The climbing unite 14 a is shown mounted to a pole 12 in twodifferent configurations in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The climbing unit 14 a iscomprised of two members which have mating or interengageable bodies 20a from which the climbing elements extend. The bodies 20 a each defineone-half of a geometric shape. In the drawings, the bodies are shown tobe semispherical, but could be any desired shape. The bodies 20 a havean end surface 70 in which four semicircular openings 72 are formed. Theopenings are formed as two pair of opposed openings, and are spacedabout 90° apart. Hence, a first pair of openings defines top and bottomopenings and the second pair of the openings defines front and back (orside) openings. The four openings 72 define four abutment surfaces 74between the openings 72 at the end surface 70. Pegs 76 are formed in theabutment surfaces 74 of one of the bodies 20 a and peg receiving holes(not shown) are formed in the abutment surfaces 74 of the other of thebodies 20 a. The peg receiving holes are shaped complimentary to thepegs and are sized to receive the pegs. As can be appreciated, when thetwo members are joined together, the pegs 76 of one member are receivedin the peg receiving holes 78 of the other.

Collars 80 extend generally upwardly (or generally outwardly) around theperiphery of each of the openings 72. The bodies 20 a are flattened, asat 82, around the collars 80 to form a shoulder 83 at the base of thecollar. When the two units are adjacent each other, the collars 80around each hole 72 will define four circular collars—one pair of thecollars will be upper and lower collars which surround the pole 12, andthe other pair of collars will define front and back collars.

Rings 84 surround the upper and lower collars. The rings 84 arecomprised of ring halves 86. The ring halves have generally flat endsurfaces 87 and are generally C-shaped in top plan and generallyL-shaped in vertical cross-section, as seen in FIG. 6B, to define acurved inner surface 88 a and a seat 88 b along the inner surface of thering halves. The surface 88 a is sized to surround the collar 80 and theseat 88 b is sized to sit adjacent the axial outer surface (i.e., thetop or bottom) of the collar 80. The collar halves are provided withholes 90 which extend generally perpendicularly from the end surface 87through to the outer surface of the ring halves 86. Counter-bores 92 areformed about a portion of the holes 90 to facilitate connection of thetwo ring halves together. When the two ring halves are in abuttingrelationship, the holes 90 of the two ring halves will be in alignmentwith each other.

Fasteners are received in the holes 90 to secure the two ring halvestogether. The fasteners can comprise a bolt 94 having a threaded shaftwhich is received in an internally threaded tube 96. The bolt 94 andthreaded tube 96 each have heads which bear against the bottom surfaceof the counter bore 92. As noted above with the climbing unit 14, thefasteners can be replaced with different types of fasteningcombinations. The body collars 80 and the rings 84 are sized such thatwhen the body 20 a is assembled about the pole 12, the body 20 a willfrictionally grip the pole.

The assembly of the two members M together to form a unit will leave theside openings 72 opened—the top and bottom openings will surround thepole 12. Plates 98 are provided to close the side openings. The openings72 are each provided with a groove 100 along the inner surfaces of thecollars 80. The grooves 100 of adjacent collars define a circulargroove, and the plates 98 are sized and shaped to be received in thegroove. Hence, the plates will be retained in the groove in theassembled unit 14 a.

The bodies 20 a of the members M of the unit 14 a can be joined togetherin different orientations—in 90° increments. Hence, for example, theright member M (with reference to FIG. 6) can be rotated 90° about ahorizontal axis, so that the climbing element of the right member Mwould be generally horizontal, rather than generally vertical (againwith reference to FIG. 6). This is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B wherein theleft climbing element is shown generally horizontal (FIG. 7A) andgenerally vertical (FIG. 7B) while the right climbing element remainsgenerally vertical. To facilitate the ability to rotate that unitsrelative to each other in this manner, the inner surface 29 a of thebody 20 is provided with two semicircular surfaces. One of thesemi-circular surfaces extend between one pair of the openings 72 andthe other semi-circular surface extends between the other pair ofopenings. Hence, the assembled unit 14 a will define two tubes whichintersect at 90° when the unit 14 a is assembled.

A third illustrative embodiment of the climbing unit is shown in FIG. 8mounted. The climbing unit 14 b of FIG. 8 is generally similar to theclimbing unit 14 a of FIG. 6. However, the collars of the climbing unit14 a are omitted from the climbing unit 14 b. Rather, the climbing unit14 b is mounted to the pole 12 by means of a shaft 110 which extendsthrough an opening 112 in the pole 12 and openings 114 in the climbingunit members. The ends of the shaft 112 are threaded, and fasteners 116comprising internally threaded tubes are screwed onto the ends of theshaft. Hence, the climbing unit 14 b is secured to the pole 12substantially in the same manner as the climbing unit 14 (FIGS. 4 and5). Because the member bodies 20 b for the climbing unit 14 b aresubstantially similar to the bodies 20 a for the climbing unit 14 a,each member can be secured or mounted to the pole 12 with its climbingelement either generally horizontal or generally vertical, as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B and as discussed above in conjunction with the unit 14a.

A fourth mounting method is shown in FIG. 10. The climbing unit 14 c ofFIG. 10 includes a body 20 c, which is generally similar to the body 20b of unit 14 b (FIG. 8). To connect the member bodies 20 c together, thebodies each include holes 120 which extend generally perpendicularlyfrom the end surfaces 122 of the bodies through the body to the outersurface of the body. The body is cut-away, as at 124, around the opening120 to define a floor 126. Fasteners 126 extend through the holes 120 toconnect the two bodies together. The fasteners can comprise aninternally threaded tube 126 a which receives a bolt, screw, or the like126 b.

To mount the unit 14 c to the pole, a shaft 128 is passed through anopening 130 in the pole 12, such that the shaft 128 extends fromopposite sides of the pole. The climbing unit bodies 20 c have passages132 extending outwardly from the bodies' inner surfaces sized to receivethe shaft 128. The passages 132 do not extend through the bodies 20 c.Hence, as can be appreciated, the shafts 128 support and position theclimbing unit 14 c on the pole 12, and the fasteners 126 maintain thetwo halves of the climbing unit together.

The climbing unit 14 c, like the climbing units 14 b and 14 a, have aninner surface 29 c which defines intersecting cylinders, such that theclimbing unit bodies can be positioned with their climbing elementspositioned either generally horizontally (as seen in FIG. 11A) orgenerally vertically (as seen in FIG. 11B).

A fifth mounting/assembly method is shown in FIG. 12. Here, the climbingunit 14 d comprises a pair of members each of which includes a body 20 dfrom which a desired climbing element extends. The body 20 d issubstantially similar to the body 20 a (FIG. 6), and thus will not bedescribed further. The bodies 20 d are held together by connectingmembers 140. The connecting members 140 each comprise an upper and alower ring segment 142 having an inner surface and an outer surface. Agroove 144 is formed on the inner surface of the ring segments 142 andis sized and shaped to fit over or receive the lip 146 of the collars148 of the bodies 20 d. The outer surfaces of the ring segments arecurved, and the curvature of the outer surface corresponds substantiallyto the curvature of the outer surface of the bodies 20 d.

The upper and lower ring segments are connected to a mounting portion150. The mounting portion 150 comprises a base 152 and a post 154extending inwardly from the base 152. The base 152 defines a segment orcap of a sphere having a curvature which conforms to the curvature ofthe bodies 20. Hence, as seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the mounting portion150 and ring segments 142, in combination with the bodies 20 d generallydefine a sphere which surrounds the pole 12. The mounting portion post154 is sized to extend through the hole defined by the body opening 156when the two members are adjacent each other. The post 154 is shown toinclude a generally sloped side wall 158 which leads to an end surface160. The post is sized such that its end wall 160 is substantiallyadjacent the pole 12 when the unit 14 d is assembled and mounted to thepole 12. The end surface 160 is concave, as seen, and has a curvaturewhich corresponds generally to the curvature of the pole 12. The post160 is hollow to define a cup 162. A hole 164 is formed in the base ofthe cup (i.e., the post end surface 160).

To assemble the unit 14 d about the pole 12, the bodies 20 d arepositioned against the pole 12 in a desired orientation with the pegs ofone body received in the peg holes of the other (see the description ofunit 14 a, FIG. 6). The connecting members 140 are then positioned onthe bodies 20 d, with their post bases adjacent the pole. The pole 12has a hole 166 extending horizontally therethrough. The unit 14 d ispositioned on the pole 12 such that the post holes 164 are aligned withthe pole hole 166. A fastener is then passed through the post holes 164and the pole hole 166 to both mount the unit 14 d to the pole 12 and tohold the members of the unit 14 d together. Because the posts 154 definecups 162, the fasteners need only have a length slightly greater thanthe sum of the pole outer diameter and the width of the post bases.

The climbing units 14 and 14 b-14 d all include a shaft, fastener, etc.which extends through the post. Although the climbing unit 14 a is notdescribed to include a shaft which would extend through the post, theclimbing unit 14 a could be provided with such a shaft. A shaft for theclimbing unit 14 a would be similar to the shaft used in the climbingunit 14 c. Hence, to assemble the climbing units 14 and 14 b-14 d andsecure them to the pole, holes must be formed in the poles when thepoles are produced or at the site during construction/assembly of theclimbing structure 10. As described above, in some of the embodiments(i.e., the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 8, and 12), the fasteners which holdthe unit bodies together also hold the unit to the pole. In otherembodiments (i.e., the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 10), the elements orstructure which hold the two members of the climbing unit together areseparate from the structure or elements which maintain the position ofthe climbing unit on the pole.

In FIGS. 14-20, two additional embodiments of the climbing unit areshown which do not rely on shafts extending through the pole into theclimbing units to maintain the climbing unit in a desired position onthe pole. Rather, the climbing units of FIGS. 14-20 include a clampassembly which maintains the climbing unit at a desired position on thepole. Hence, the climbing units of FIGS. 14-20 can be positioned at anydesired position along the pole, and holes need not be formed in thepole.

Turning to FIGS. 14-17, a climbing unit 14 e is comprised of two membershaving identical bodies 20 e and climbing elements E extending from thebodies 20 e. The bodies 20 e each have an outer surface shaped to form adesired geometric shape when the two bodies are connected to form theunit 14 e. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the bodies 20 e combine to form agenerally spherical base from which the climbing elements E extend.Hence, the outer surfaces of the bodies 20 e each define a portion of asphere. The bodies 20 e could be combined to form other geometricshapes, if desired.

The bodies 20 e include generally flat end surfaces 180 and 182 whichare separated by a channel 184. A groove 185 is formed in the channel184. A shoulder 186 extends about the circumference of the end surface180 and a lip 188 extends about the circumference of the end surface182. A hole 190 extends from the outer surface of the body 20 e to thesurface 180. The hole 190 is generally perpendicular to the surface 180.A small counterbore 192 surrounds the hole 190 at the outer surface ofthe body 20 e. The surfaces 180 and 182 are preferably not co-planar,and hence, do not lie on a diameter of the body 20 e. Rather, thesurfaces 180 and 182 each define planes which are generallyperpendicular to the axis of the channel 184, are generally parallel toeach other, and are spaced apart from each other.

A clamp 194 (shown in more detail in FIG. 17) is positioned between thebodies 20 e to secure the unit bodies together and to position the unit14 e on the pole. The clamp 194 is comprised of two identical portions196 which are made from, for example, a spring metal. The clampingelements 196 have a central web 197 which is shaped to be received inand to fit against the surface of the channel groove 185. Thus, the web197 has a curved section 197 a and a generally straight section 197 bcontinuing from an end of the curved section. The curved section 197 adefines an arc of about 90° and has a curvature corresponding to thecurvature of the body channel 184, so that the curved section can bereceived in the body channel 184. Perforations 199 are formed in rowswhich extend across the width of the web near the ends of the curvedsection 197 a (i.e., near the junction of the curved and straight websection and near the free end of the curved section). A flange 198extends from the free end of the web straight section 197 b and isgenerally perpendicular thereto. The flange 198 has a width at its baseapproximately equal to the width of the web 197. A slot 200 is formed atthe junction of the web 197 and the flange 198 and is generally centeredbetween the opposite sides of the member 196. An opening 202 is formedin an outer surface of the flange 198 near the end thereof. A hollow,internally threaded post 204 extends from the opposite surface of theflange 198 in alignment with the hole 202. A finger 206 narrower thanthe flange 198 extends from the free end of the curved potion 197 a ofthe web 197. The finger 206 is generally parallel to the flange 198 andextends in the opposite direction of the flange 198. The finger 206 issized to be able to pass through the slot 200 formed at the junction ofthe web 197 and the flange 198. A cup 208 is formed near the end of thefinger 208.

In use, the clamp members 196 are positioned about a pole with thefingers 206 of each member passed through the slots 200 of the oppositemembers. The clamp members 196 are sized such that when positioned abouta pole, the cup 208 of the finger 206 of one clamp member will bealigned with the post 204 of the flange 198 of the opposite or opposingclamp member, and with the cup 208 opening into the post 204, as seen inFIG. 17. After the clamp members 196 have been positioned about thepole, the bodies 20 e of the unit 14 e can be positioned about the clampmembers 196 such that the clamp webs 197 are received in the channelgrooves 185. Hence, the channel grooves 185 will facilitate positioningof the bodies with respect to the clamp members. The bodies 20 e arefurther positioned such that their surfaces 180 are adjacent the flanges198 of the clamp members 196. The flanges 198 and fingers 206 are sizedsuch that the opening 202, post 204, and cap 208 are aligned with thebody hole 190, as seen in FIG. 16. Bolts 210 are passed through the bodyholes 190 to engage the internally threaded posts 204. As the bolt 210passes through the posts 204, the bolt will, by the action of the matingthreads of the posts 204 and the bolt, pull the flange 198 of a firstclamp member toward the surface 180 of a first unit body. At the sametime, the bolt will urge the finger 206 of the second clamp membertowards the surface 182 of the second unit body. Hence, the bolts willeffectively urge the finger and flange between adjacent surfaces 180 and182 of the two bodies 20 e apart. This action will tend to cause thecurved section of the web of the two clamp members 196 to tighten aboutthe pole, thereby clamping the members about the pole.

Thus, the clamping members 196, due to their interconnection asdescribed above and shown particularly in FIG. 17, will serve tomaintain the two climbing unit bodies 20 e together. In addition, theclamp members will grip the pole 12 to secure the climbing element 14 ein a desired position on the pole.

A further embodiment of the climbing unit utilizing a second clampingmechanism is shown in FIGS. 18-20. In this embodiment, the member bodies20 f of the climbing unit 14 f have each parallel end surfaces 220 and222 separated by a central channel 224. When the member bodies 20 f areadjacent each other, as seen in FIG. 19, the channels 224 have adiameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pole. Thesurfaces 220 and 222 are tangential to the channel 224 and intersect thechannel approximately 180° apart. A cut-out 226 is formed between theopposite sides of the channel 224. The cutout has opposing end walls, afirst side wall 228 which is generally coplanar with the body surface220, a floor 230 and a second side wall 232. The floor 230 is spacedfrom the channel 224 and is shown to form an angle of about 110° toabout 120° with the first side wall 228. The floor 230 and the secondside wall 232, on the other hand, form an angle of approximately 90°.Thus, the side walls 228 and 232 are not parallel to each other. Rather,the two side walls subtend an angle of about 20° to about 30°. A hole234 extends from the member body outer surface to the surface 220. Thehole 234 is counterbored, as at 235, at the outer surface of the body 20f. A second hole 236 extends from the surface 222 and opens into the endwall 232 of the cutout 226. When the two members 20 f of the climbingunit 14 f are assembled together, the hole 234 of one member is alignedwith the hole 236 of the other member, as seen in FIG. 19. At least oneof, and preferably both of, the holes 234 and 236 are internallythreaded to receive a bolt 238.

The climbing unit member bodies 20 f are held together and to the poleby means of a clamp 240. The clamp 240 is comprised of two identicalclamp members 242 which interconnect to hold the two members 20 f of theclimbing unit 20 together and maintain the climbing unit at a desiredposition along the pole of the climbing structure. One clamp member isreceived in the cutout 226 of each climbing unit member 20 f. The clampmembers each include a back wall 244 having a width and a lengthenabling the clamp back wall to be received in the cutout 226 adjacentthe cutout floor 230. A clamp end wall 246 extends from one end of theclamp back wall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°. The end wall issized and shaped to be received against the cutout surface 232, and hasa length approximately equal to the body surface 232. A hole 248 isformed in the end wall 246 approximately mid-way between the sides ofthe wall 246 and spaced slightly from the junction between the walls 244and 246. A finger 250 extends from the opposite end of the clamp memberback wall 244. The finger 250 is narrower than the back wall, and isgenerally centered relative to the back wall. The finger 250 forms anangle with the back wall of about 110° to about 120° so that the fingerwill be received against the surface 228 of the cutout 226 when themember is placed in the cutout. The finger 250 has a hole 252 formednear the free end thereof, and has a length, such that the finger hole252 will be generally aligned with the body hole 234 when the clampingmember is placed in the unit member cutout 226. Lastly, the clampingmember includes a pair of opposed side walls 256 which extend from thesides of the back wall 244 at an angle of approximately 90°. The sidewalls 256 are connected only to the back wall 244. They do not connectwith the end wall 246 or the finger 250. The walls 256 have edges 258a,b which are parallel to and generally co-planar with, the finger 250and the end wall 246, respectively. The side wall edge 258 a has alength less than the length of the finger 250, and the side wall edge258 b has a length approximately equal to the length of the end wall246. Arced cutouts 260 are formed in the edges of the side walls 256opposite the junction between the side walls and the base wall 244. Thecutouts 260 are provided with a plurality of teeth 262. The arcedcutouts 260 preferably subtend an angle of greater than 180°, but couldsubtend an angle of 180° if desired.

As seen in FIG. 20, when the two clamping members 242 are adjacent eachother, one clamping member 242 is inverted with respect to the other.The side walls 256 of the two clamping members overlap, such that thearced cutouts 260 define a circle sized to fit around the climbingstructure pole 12. Additionally, the finger 250 extends over the wall246 such that the finger hole 252 is generally aligned with the wallhole 246. Additionally, the wall 246 will contact or nearly contact thefinger 250.

To assemble the climbing unit 14 f and to mount it to a climbingstructure pole, the clamping units 242 are initially placed in thecutouts 226 of the climbing unit members 20 f. The climbing unit membersare then positioned about a pole in the orientation shown in FIG. 19. Inthis position, the surface 220 of one climbing unit member is adjacentthe surface 222 of the other climbing unit. Additionally, the clampmember finger 250 is sandwiched between the surfaces 220 and 222. Thebolts 238 are then threaded into the bolt holes 234 and 236. The boltholes 234 and 236 are not perpendicular to the surfaces 220 and 222.Rather, they define angles γ of between about 110° and about 120° withthe surface 220. This angle of the bolt holes 234 and 236 relative tothe surfaces 220 and 222 cause the unit member bodies 20 f and theclamping members 246 to pull together as the bolts 238 are tightened. Asthis occurs, the teeth 262 of the clamping members 246 more tightlyengage the pole to more tightly clamp around and grip the pole, therebyholding the climbing unit 14 f in place relative to the pole.

A further embodiment of the climbing unit 14 g is shown in FIG. 21, withvariations of the climbing unit shown in FIGS. 22A-D. FIG. 23 shows thedifferent climbing units on a playground structure. The climbing unit 14g is similar to the climbing units 14-14 d, in as much as it relies upona shaft to mount the climbing unit to the pole 12. However, as seen, theclimbing unit 14 g, when viewed in top plan (as seen in FIG. 21) is morerectangular in shape than the previously described embodiments. In endelevation, the climbing unit 14 g is generally oval in shape. Theclimbing unit members each comprise complementarily shaped bodies 20 g.The bodies 20 g each include a base 300 and a pair of arms 302 and 304extending from the base. The arm 302 has an outer surface which is flushwith and a continuation of the outer surface of the member body 20 g.The arm 304, however, is set in slightly from the outer surface of thebody, to define a shoulder 306 on the body on a side of the bodyopposite the arm 302. The arm 304 has a flat outer surface 308 and thearm 302 has a flat inner surface 310. Additionally, the arm 302 has awidth approximately equal to the width of the shoulder 306 and a lengthgenerally equal to the length of the arm 304. Hence, the arm 302 isreceived in the shoulder 306 as best seen in FIGS. 22A-D.

The surface defined by the inner surface 310 of the arm 302 is generallyflat. The inner surface 312 of the base 300 and the inner surface 314 ofthe arm 304 define a “J”-shaped surface, with the inner surface of thearm 304 forming the “hook” of the “J”. The end surface 316 of the arm304 is flat and butts against the flat surface 312 of the body base 300.As seen in FIGS. 22A-D, when the two members of the climbing unit 14 gare assembled together, the curved inner surfaces 314 of the opposedarms 304 of the two members 20 g are opposite each other and define acylinder sized and shaped to fit around the pole 12. Although the unit14 g is shown to form a circle which will surround the pole, as can beappreciated, and as described above, the inner surfaces of the arms 304could define other polygonal shapes which would correspond to the shapeof the pole 12.

The members 20 g include a passage 318 in their arms 302 and a passage320 in the arms 304. When the bodies 20 g are positioned adjacent eachother, the passages 318 and 320 of the arms are aligned. A fastener 322comprising a shaft 324 extends through the passages to connect the twobodies 20 g of the unit 14 g together. The fastener 322 is identical tothe fastener described above in connection with the climbing unit 14(FIG. 4), and thus will not be described in further detail. The fastenershaft 324 can extend through a passage in the pole 12 to prevent theclimbing unit 14 g from moving axially along the pole.

The climbing unit members 20 g can be provided in three basic forms asseen in FIGS. 22A-D. They can be provided as a blank member 330, as afoot or step member 332 or as a hand grip member 334. The blank member330 has a flat end surface 336 as best seen in FIG. 22D; the foot orstep member 332 is provided with a tread surface 338 which extends fromthe member base 300; and the hand hold grip member 334 forms a gripextending from the base 300. As best seen in FIG. 22B, the tread surface338 is textured to reduce slippage, is generally at the top of the body20 g, and is supported by a vertical wall 342. As seen in FIGS. 22A-D,the three types of members can be connected together in any combination.Hence, a hand grip member can be combined with a hand grip member, astep member or a blank; a step grip member can be combined with a handgrip member, a step member or a blank; and a blank member can becombined with a hand grip member or a step member. It is unlikely thattwo blank members would be connected together. Although this is possibleas well.

Turning to FIG. 23, a playground structure 10′ is shown with the pole 12being supported by two spaced apart support poles. The pole 12 is shownto be provided with climbing units 14 g comprised of a blank member anda handgrip member. Additional climbing units 14 g are shown at the baseof the support poles comprised of two foot or step members. Additionalclimbing panels are mounted to the support poles.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention providesfor a climbing structure having a plurality of climbing units made frominterengageable members having different climbing elements. Hence, manydifferent climbing units can be formed from a set of a few climbingelements. The climbing elements can be varied along the pole 12, as seenin FIG. 1, such that, near ground level, the climbing elements compriseridges or foot rests. Further up, the climbing elements can comprisesteps or a combination of steps and handgrips. If the pole is arced, asshown in FIG. 1, then, along the upper portion (or generally horizontalportion) of the pole, the climbing elements can comprise primarilyhandgrips. Additionally, as can be seen from the foregoing, the climbingunits themselves can be assembled together and mounted to the pole usinga variety of structures. Some of the embodiments require a hole to beformed in the pole and can be placed at only discrete locations alongthe pole. Other embodiments rely on a clamping mechanism and can beplaced at any desired position along the pole.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense. Although three basic climbing elements are shown (e.g., a ledge,a step, and a handgrip) numerous other types of climbing elements can beprovided. Additionally, the climbing elements can be provided indifferent forms or shapes. The bodies of the climbing unit members areshown to form a generally spherical body when connected. However, thebodies could combine to form any other desired shape. These examples aremerely illustrative.

1. A climbing structure comprising a plurality of climbing unitssecurable to a pole; the climbing units being formed from two mating andinterengagable climbing unit members chosen from a set of climbing unitmembers; each climbing unit member comprising a body and a climbingelement extending from the body; the climbing unit additionallycomprising a mounting member to axially fix the two climbing unitrelative to the pole and a fastener to secure said members together;whereby many different climbing units can be formed from a set of a fewclimbing unit members.
 2. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein saidmounting member comprises a rod which extends through said pole and atleast partially through said two climbing unit members.
 3. The climbingstructure of claim 2 said member bodies have an outer surface definingtop and bottom surfaces, a front side and a back side; a notch formed inthe outer surface back side; said inner surface being flattened at thebody front to define a generally semicircular platform; said platformbeing sized and shaped to be received in said notch; whereby theplatform of one body member is received in the notch of the other bodymember.
 4. The climbing structure of claim 3 wherein said mountingmember extends through said front and back surfaces of said memberbodies; said fastener comprising an externally threaded member which isreceived in an internally threaded member, said fastener comprising saidmounting member.
 5. The climbing structure of claim 3 wherein at least aportion of said body inner surface is shaped to complementarily to theshape of the pole.
 6. The climbing structure of claim 2 wherein saidmember bodies each comprise at least upper and lower cut-outs sized andshaped to define one portion of an opening which through which said polecan extend; said members each having opposed inner faces, the inner faceof one member body abutting the inner face of the opposing member bodyin an assembled climbing unit.
 7. The climbing structure of claim 6wherein the body members include pegs and peg receiving holes on opposedinner faces; whereby, the pegs of one body member are received in thepeg receiving holes of the opposed body member in an assembled climbingunit.
 8. The climbing structure of claim 6 wherein said member bodiescomprise a lip extending outwardly from said cut-out; said fastenercomprising a ring assembly which engages said lips of said body members.9. The climbing structure of claim 8 wherein said ring assembly iscomprised of at least two pieces, said two pieces being connectabletogether to hold said member bodies together.
 10. The climbing structureof claim 6 wherein said fastener comprises a rod which extends throughsaid pole and through said body inner surface; said rod being connectedto a threaded member adjacent said body climbing element.
 11. Theclimbing structure of claim 6 wherein said fastener comprises a threadedmember which extends through said opposed inner faces of said bodymembers.
 12. The climbing structure of claim 6 wherein said bodycomprises front and back cut-outs sized and shaped to define one portionof an opening which through which said pole can extend; whereby, saidbody can be mounted to said pole in two different orientations.
 13. Theclimbing structure of claim 12 including a closure to close the cutoutsof the body member through which the pole does not extend when theclimbing unit is assembled about the pole.
 14. The climbing structure ofclaim 13 wherein said bodies comprise a lip extending outwardly fromsaid cut-outs and said fastener comprises a ring assembly which engagessaid lips; said ring assembly comprising a front potion and a backportion, said front and back portions each comprising an upper ringportion and a lower ring portion; said upper and lower ring potionsbeing joined by said closure.
 15. The climbing structure of claim 14wherein said closure comprises a pedestal which extends inwardly towardsaid pole; said pedestal having an inner surface shaped complementarilyto the shape of the pole; said mounting member comprising said shaftextending through said pedestal.
 16. The climbing structure of claim 2wherein said climbing unit body comprises a notch formed in one sidesurface thereof, said inner surface defining a generally flat surfacewhich extends generally perpendicularly to an axis of said pole; saidflat surface being sized and shaped to be received in said notch; andsaid inner surface further including a generally J-shaped surfacecomprising a first portion extending generally normal to said flatsurface, and a curved portion; whereby, in an assembled unit, the curvedsurfaces of opposed members face each other to define a tube throughwhich the pole extends.
 17. The climbing unit of claim 16 wherein saidmounting member comprises said fastening member; said fastening memberrod extending through said mating surfaces of said body members.
 18. Theclimbing structure of claim 1 wherein the climbing unit comprises aninternal clamp which grips the climbing structure pole to secure theclimbing unit to the pole; said clamp defining at least said fasteningmember.
 19. The climbing structure of claim 18 wherein said memberbodies include a channel formed in said inner surfaces to receive saidclamp.
 20. The climbing structure of claim 18 wherein said clampcomprises a pair of opposed clamp members; said clamp members each clampmember comprising a curved central web shaped to be received in theinner surface channel; a flange extending from one end of said web and afinger extending from the opposite end of said web; said clamp memberfurther including an opening formed approximately at a junction of saidflange and said web, a flange opening in said flange, and a cup on saidfinger; said finger being sized to extend through said opening, said cupbeing positioned on said finger to be generally aligned with said flangeopening; said fastener further comprising a pair of threaded rods whichextend through said climbing unit body members to pass through saidflange opening and into said finger cup; whereby advancing said rodsinto said finger cups causes said clamp member to more tightly engagesaid pole.
 21. The climbing structure of claim 18 wherein said clampcomprises a pair of clamp members; each clamp member comprising a backwall, a clamp end wall extending from one end of the clamp back wall andhaving a hole formed therein, a finger extending from an opposite end ofthe clamp member back wall and having a hole formed therein; said fingerhole being generally aligned with the end wall hole, and opposed sidewalls extending from said back wall; said side walls comprising an inneredge shaped correspondingly to the shape of said pole; said fingerhaving a length sufficient to be received between opposing surfaces ofsaid climbing unit body members.
 22. The climbing structure of claim 18wherein said side wall inner edge is toothed.
 23. A climbing unit of aplayground structure; said climbing unit being comprised of twoconnected and mated climbing unit members; each climbing unit membercomprising a body and a climbing element extending from the body; theclimbing unit additionally comprising a mounting member to axially fixthe two climbing unit relative to the pole and a fastener to secure saidmembers together; whereby many different climbing units can be formedfrom a set of a few climbing unit members.
 24. The climbing structure ofclaim 23 wherein said mounting member comprises a rod which extends atleast partially through said two climbing unit members.
 25. The climbingstructure of claim 24 wherein said climbing unit body comprises a notchformed in one side surface thereof, said inner surface defining agenerally flat surface which extends generally perpendicularly to anaxis of said pole; said flat surface being sized and shaped to bereceived in said notch; and said inner surface further including agenerally J-shaped surface comprising a first portion extendinggenerally normal to said flat surface, and a curved portion; whereby, inan assembled unit, the curved surfaces of opposed members face eachother to define a tube.
 26. The climbing unit of claim 25 wherein saidmounting member comprises said fastening member; said fastening memberrod extending through said mating surfaces of said body members.